Once you have your list
narrowed down to a couple choices, visit the clinics you are most interested
in. The staff should be willing and ready to give you a tour, showing you the
exam rooms, where your pet would be kept if it were in the hospital, boarding
facilities, and any other areas of interest to you. As you are touring and
visiting with the staff, keep your eyes open and nose sniffing for the
following.
·
Smells – While most clinics are going to smell a little,
well, animal-like, you should be able to take a big breath without gagging.
·
Cleanliness – Take note of lobby floors and back hallways. Are
they picked up and animal waste-free?
·
Knowledge of
staff – Even the front desk
receptionists should be able to answer basic questions about pet care.
What is the prevalence of heartworms, fleas and ticks
in the area?
What are the basic city, county, and clinic
requirements for my pet as far as license and/or vaccinations?
What do doctors recommend when my pet has diarrhea
and vomiting?
·
Friendliness – Again take into account the friendliness of the
staff and their interest in you. Are they helpful and informative? Are they too
pushy?
·
Traffic
levels – Is the clinic slammed with
people? Maybe the lobby is full and the phones are ringing off the hook. Did
you have to wait very long before getting a tour? A certain level of busyness
is a good sign, but too many clients can lead to long waiting times and a low
availability of appointments.